Originally Posted by
jaysona
That's probably the point. Most people who use aeroplan don't have any clue about using the tools and schemes used by people on FT. I know more SE's off of FT than on FT and all of them have no clue about what is discussed here.
The other point I think you are missing is that people who redden for business class want to have the business class seat at the time of booking and not have to deal with waiting at the airport.
I think AC wanted to limit the number of upgrades given out, and they have achieved it. Your method of getting a business class seat probably doesn't even reach 1% of the business class bookings redeemed.
Hell, I know about these methods and I can't even be bothered to go through the hoops - I have better things to do with my time. Guess that means AC's system is working - to some degree.
I agree with you to an extent, but I booked this less than 4 hours before departure.
By that time, they know exactly what's going on. I'm not saying they should open it up to I9 11 months before departure just because it's X9 and no other seats in J have been sold. But 4 hours out?
In previous years, I just would have used IKK. But now, it's not worth it. It's a bit more effort for me, but that last IKK slot could easily be the difference between a happy birthday and an expensive (but still happy) birthday (my birthday is right before it resets).
I wish AC could have two-letter fare classes.
I for regular business class. IN (to copy United) for "elite" business class. R for "I'm Super Elite and I REAAAAALLY want this flight" business class.
Today's "I" would be tomorrow's "IN". "I" would be reduced. R could be the same.
Because that's my other issue. I'm SE, and can't get J on a flight (without IKK). But it's because the MileagePlus credit card churners* have taken all the seats.
*Or whomever. The point is, as SE, I should always have better access than someone with no status or from another program. AC makes money from me. That is evident by my status. In the context of redeeming miles for flights, they cannot make the same assumption about anyone who does not have AC status.